Parents Describe Teenage Daughter’s History Of Running Away From Home

Melissa and her ex-husband, Mark, say that at just 13 years old, their daughter, Malia, became physically abusive to the family, dropped out of school, and began running away from home. Then they say things got worse.

Malia’s parents say the 17-year-old was just 15 when she got involved with a man who is now 35.

“On June 21, 2017, I got a call from Malia telling me that this man was shooting at her,” says Melissa.

She claims Malia, now 17, was able to escape by jumping out a window and running to a neighbor’s house. She says the boyfriend followed and allegedly shot a neighbor in the leg before fleeing the scene.

Later, her parents say, Malia returned to him.

Mark says he got a call from authorities on September 19, saying Charles Jackson had been apprehended and Malia was with him.

Jackson has been charged with offenses including contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor, strangulation, and possession of a firearm. He has pleaded not-guilty and is currently awaiting trial. Malia was returned to her family.

Mark and Melissa say Malia believes she’s in love with Charles Jackson, and are concerned she’ll run away again. Can Dr. Phil help them get through to their daughter?